Preview — Given to Fly
by K.L. Montgomery

Given to Fly

Annelise thought her purpose in life was to get married and have babies. That's what her family and church have been telling her since she was a little girl. But when her marriage turns rocky, and she struggles with her weight and infertility, she fears the childhood dream thrust upon her will never come true.

TheCan you break your vow if it's the only way to save yourself?

Annelise thought her purpose in life was to get married and have babies. That's what her family and church have been telling her since she was a little girl. But when her marriage turns rocky, and she struggles with her weight and infertility, she fears the childhood dream thrust upon her will never come true.

Then she meets Trek Blue, the father of a little girl in her preschool class. After losing his wife to cancer, he's moved to Indiana with his two young children to seek a fresh start. In need of a friend, Trek is immediately drawn to Annelise, who begins to think of him as a confidante and bright spot in her otherwise dreary life.

But when the two grow close enough to raise eyebrows, she is forced to make a choice. Will Annelise honor her faith, family, and wedding vows? Or will she spread her wings and fly away?...more

Community Reviews

I had the pleasure of beta reading this book, and it was so wonderful and heartbreaking and enraging and heart-lifting and heartbreaking and... you got it. A roller-coaster! : )

Annelise is a beautiful human being! If you like reading about good people, she is it! One can't help but empathize with her.

Her husband is the worst d***bag...Ugh, I wanted to kick him in his useless nuts. : /

Annelise is a strong female too, fighting body shaming, a family who cares more about appearances than they doI had the pleasure of beta reading this book, and it was so wonderful and heartbreaking and enraging and heart-lifting and heartbreaking and... you got it. A roller-coaster! : )

Annelise is a beautiful human being! If you like reading about good people, she is it! One can't help but empathize with her.

Her husband is the worst d***bag...Ugh, I wanted to kick him in his useless nuts. : /

Annelise is a strong female too, fighting body shaming, a family who cares more about appearances than they do their own daughters, and the fear of leaving her husband and having to start a whole new life.

Okay, okay... he's also handsome and he's a nerdy professor and he's a lonely dad taking care of his two kids...on his own!Hello, Mr. Perfect! I already claimed Trek, you all, so you can just move along nicely, 'Kay? Mine! Thanks! =p

As always, the writing is beautiful and flawless. *hearty eyes*

If you want your heart broken, but also to laugh out loud and feel like breaking the d***bag's mouth, this book is for you. ; )...more

Annelise is a woman who is a kindergarten teacher and just married her college sweetheart. She is slowly learning that life isn't always so peachy after you say I do. She thought that her purpose in life was to get married, have children and go to church. What will happen when she slowly realizes that her thoughts may not be reality? What will she do when her marriage starts going down a rocky road? How will her not being able to get pregnant effect her and her marriage? She is insecure with herAnnelise is a woman who is a kindergarten teacher and just married her college sweetheart. She is slowly learning that life isn't always so peachy after you say I do. She thought that her purpose in life was to get married, have children and go to church. What will happen when she slowly realizes that her thoughts may not be reality? What will she do when her marriage starts going down a rocky road? How will her not being able to get pregnant effect her and her marriage? She is insecure with her weight and who she is. Will she learn to just be herself and not what everyone wants her to be? What will happen when she meets him? How will he change her life? Will he make her feel different about herself? What will he teach her? Is there an instant connection?

Trek is a father of two children, one of which is in her kindergarten class. He has lost his wife and just moved to the area trying to start over again. What will happen when he arranges for her to tutor his daughter? He feels a connection but does she? Will she help him heal? Will she teach him its okay to trust? He just needs a friend, will she be what he needs?

Annelise and Trek's relationship is one that grows throughout the story. You will love to see how they interact with each other. She is bond by vows and he is bond to a past. What will they do? When she is faced with decisions, will she make the right one? Will it matter what everyone else thinks? Will she honor her vows, family and faith and do what is right? Will she just learn to fly? The author has created a story with these characters that have quite a few twists and turns and many you won't see coming. She will have you sitting on the edge of your seat on minute and then asking how can someone be that nasty in the next. Find out what happens with these two as they work through struggles and find out if what they want is at the end!

This is my favorite story by K.L. Montgomery and I can't wait to read more of her books. Her story's are always fast reading and this one is no different. K.L. lives in rural Delaware with her husband, three children and their pets. She has an undying love of Broadway musicals, beaches, the color teal, dark chocolate and I U basketball. After a career of being a librarian she now writes and takes care of her family. You will totally lose track of time with this story and I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This story will leave you wanting more and I for one am hoping to see more of these characters in the future. I highly suggest this story as I know you will love this story as much as I did....more

Another excellent book Ms Montgomery. She has really hit her stride with this work. It is rare to find as real and flawed characters as she has written here. Annalise starts as a meek and downtrodden woman, trying to make things work in her flawed marriage. Her metamorphosis is realistic, methodical and powerful. Even her husband Aaron, while detestable, is a real and genuine character that exists in the real world and not just in fiction. The over-arching story is one of realistic, heartbreak,Another excellent book Ms Montgomery. She has really hit her stride with this work. It is rare to find as real and flawed characters as she has written here. Annalise starts as a meek and downtrodden woman, trying to make things work in her flawed marriage. Her metamorphosis is realistic, methodical and powerful. Even her husband Aaron, while detestable, is a real and genuine character that exists in the real world and not just in fiction. The over-arching story is one of realistic, heartbreak, betrayal, and growth told in a nuanced and poignant manner. I look forward to more like this from Ms Montgomery....more

I have read the entire backlist from this author, and have to say that with Given to Fly, she has really found her stride. This book was excellent. Annalise was a very relatable protagonist with a husband who not only didn't pay her attention in the ways she needed as a spouse and a woman, but flat out belittled her for her external looks. It made me so angry that I wanted to reach through the pages and smack some sense into him! Annalise is a teacher and through her job meets a widowed dad, TreI have read the entire backlist from this author, and have to say that with Given to Fly, she has really found her stride. This book was excellent. Annalise was a very relatable protagonist with a husband who not only didn't pay her attention in the ways she needed as a spouse and a woman, but flat out belittled her for her external looks. It made me so angry that I wanted to reach through the pages and smack some sense into him! Annalise is a teacher and through her job meets a widowed dad, Trek. They bond over her tutoring his daughter, and she soon finds that the things she should be able to share with her idiot of a husband, she is sharing with Trek - the question is will that also mean sharing things in a physical sense? I caution you that you'll want to have time carved out for this novel, because you will want to read it in a single sitting. Yes, it is that engrossing. Be prepared to cry, laugh, and have the urge to yell. It's not often that a book can bring about all of those emotions in such a strong way, but Given to Fly definitely succeeds. ...more

“You’ve been given to fly my love. You just need to believe you can.”My first initial thoughts on this book were extremely conflicted!! I wanted to hug, comfort, and smack the crap out of the main character Annalise, or Annie, all at the same time. From the moment she hears her fiancé speak about their future together, pre-wedding, she questions everything! “I know she’s fat but she’s a good person. And she’s a he**uva cook. I mean d***! Did you try this dip?” This comes from her fiancé Aaron! H“You’ve been given to fly my love. You just need to believe you can.”My first initial thoughts on this book were extremely conflicted!! I wanted to hug, comfort, and smack the crap out of the main character Annalise, or Annie, all at the same time. From the moment she hears her fiancé speak about their future together, pre-wedding, she questions everything! “I know she’s fat but she’s a good person. And she’s a he**uva cook. I mean d***! Did you try this dip?” This comes from her fiancé Aaron! Her reaction is not expected. She has been raised to be the perfect woman. Get married, have children, serve her husband and the lord. “There is a natural order to things, which God ordained. First dating. Next marriage. Then sex. Finally, kids. Then still marriage. Forever. In that order.” Her mother engraves this into her mind as it is ‘just as much gospel in their family as the actual gospel.’ This fuels her decision to overlook the comment and marry Aaron anyways. So a year later and the book follows just what happens next. Not even one year could this man wait before tearing her down more and more. PCOS is causing havoc on their relationship because she can’t seem to get pregnant. After her doctor suggests she lose weight and eat better, she feels like the emotional abuse from him is warranted because he is just trying to help. Life falls into an easy routine for the couple regardless. He is a state trooper and she is a preschool teacher. It is through her teaching position that she meets Dr. Trek Blue. He is a widowed father of a little girl in her morning class named Bailey. Annie feels for the man who has been handed such a raw deal in life, yet chooses to keep his children first and move on the best he can from the devastating loss. “I have found my thoughts never stray very far from Trek. How can his family be inseparably scarred by unthinkable tragedy and yet somehow seem stronger and more devoted to each other than mine?” He quickly becomes a support system and friend for him and his little family, Bailey, Barret, and his mother Elennii. She decides to tutor Bailey in an attempt to help her adjust to the death of her mother. It is after all the Christian thing to do to help out. Along the way there is more and more we find out about Aaron, her husband and goodness she keeps pushing through. This woman is one heck a strong woman because I would not have put up with it like she did for sure. She is also coping because she is terrified of what her staunchly religious parents would think of her if she were to end up getting a divorce. Little does she know that they have meddled there more than even just using their religious beliefs. “My family can’t find out. I’m already a failure for not getting pregnant by now. And if they find out that he is cheating on me, then that will be my fault too.” I enjoyed that we also got to follow the coming of age of her sister Charity as well in the book. I feel it really helped Annie realize that she could be strong in the end after watching what she does with her dire situation. Eventually with the help of the handsome Trek she sees that she is worth so much more that the value she places on herself. “I finally realize this person I’ve been trying to love and trying to make love me is not on my team, and he never has been. It doesn’t feel love for me. He may feel obligation and pity. But nothing more.” She questions everything she was taught as a child. “Can you break your vow if it means saving yourself?” I was cheering for her in the end and really enjoyed the new spin on the situations that are brought up in the story line. One of my favorite lines in the book comes from Trek’s mother, Elennii. “You’ve been given to fly my love. You just need to believe you can.” How very true for so many women....more

Annelise has the almost perfect life. She has the cop husband, who sometimes adores her, a great job, preschool teacher, and is only wanting one thing. She would like to get pregnant. It's not working out too good in that area and that makes her a bit sad. Sadly keeping her problems with infertility quiet are not an option anymore. One evening with her large family was all it took for the beans to be spilled. Now everyone seems to know about her problGiven to Fly by K.L. Montgomery Rated 4 stars

Annelise has the almost perfect life. She has the cop husband, who sometimes adores her, a great job, preschool teacher, and is only wanting one thing. She would like to get pregnant. It's not working out too good in that area and that makes her a bit sad. Sadly keeping her problems with infertility quiet are not an option anymore. One evening with her large family was all it took for the beans to be spilled. Now everyone seems to know about her problems with infertility and the doc telling her that losing some weight will help her chances of getting pregnant. Her husband is on board and starts monitoring her food intake and gets her a gym membership for their 1 year anniversary. It seems like things are not going her way.

Not sure what I feel about Annelise. I am kind of disappointed in her. I know there are pressures within family and friends to not be a failure but I think there are limits to what a person has to put up with. It is scary thinking of starting over but before you can fly you have to spread your wings. I can not imagine being in a family like hers. Seems like only her little sister is friendly towards her, everyone else is way too judgemental and in the “ keeping up with the jonses’” attitude. I can see why she is looking for someone to accept her as she is…..even if she doesn't know it. As for her husband…..I think she never should have married him after a derogatory comment he made to his friend about her, which she heard. But she did and then a whole slew of other problems surfaced.

Trek (great name by the way) asks for your compassion right away within not to long of meeting him. He seems like a stand up guy who is the complete opposite of her husband in every way. He is an professor of biology raising his children with the help of his mother. His home life is quite different from her family. They make her feel welcome, loved and there is not criticism. His mother is a gem! She is so kind and weirdly all knowing with the great advice she gives Annelise later in the book.

This book is tough because of the emotional roller coaster you go on while reading it. If you are a strong person or someone who has been in any of the situations in the book it is maddening to listening to Annelise. She does come into her own as the book progresses but the journey had me wanting to say “Hello! What are you thinking?”

Whoa! This story, wow! My heart was breaking for Annalise the entire time I was reading it. Even just thinking about her makes my heart hurt. Maybe because I felt a very strong connection to this character. This story is about a woman, Annalise, who must choose between what she has been taught her entire life or to make a stand for herself. Annalise does not have a very good support system in her family, except for her younger sister. The rest of the family, in my opinion is a piece of work! (AnWhoa! This story, wow! My heart was breaking for Annalise the entire time I was reading it. Even just thinking about her makes my heart hurt. Maybe because I felt a very strong connection to this character. This story is about a woman, Annalise, who must choose between what she has been taught her entire life or to make a stand for herself. Annalise does not have a very good support system in her family, except for her younger sister. The rest of the family, in my opinion is a piece of work! (And that’s putting it mildly!) Annalise is use to turning the other check, she is definitely a lover not a fighter. She’s the type of person that if she ever makes a stand everyone better watch out! I loved the writing in this story, the details and descriptions actually made my heart heal a time or two.

“I once again felt like the blind person who has suddenly had her vision completely restored; everything is in glorious Technicolor when I am in his presence. And I never want it to stop.”

Annalise is not the only character facing troubling situations. Remember that sister? While Charity is only 16 years old, she too must make life changing choices. Trek is the father of one of the children in Annalise's preschool class and he too faces challenges designed to test the heart of any person. And then there’s Annalise’s husband, Aaron. His choices throughout the story and how Annalise deals with him are what leads to so much heart break and heart ache! Is there a chance for anyone to have a happily ever after? I can say this, there is a ray of light in all the despair:

“Trust me on this. It’s better to take the risk and fail, knowing you tried, than to keep yourself locked away and safe, never knowing what it feels like to spread your wings. She reaches out to grasp my chin in her bony, veiny hands. “You’ve been given to fly, my love. You just need to believe you can.”...more

Given to Fly by K.L. Montgomery surprising four-star read. This is the first book by this author I have read, and won’t be the last. I have been waiting to read this book since I read the synopsis and through it sounded like a really interesting read, and couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it.Annalise has always been raised to believe to do the right thing, get married, have babies, be a good and loving wife with dinner on the table. Follow in the footsteps of her mother and Grandmother and theGiven to Fly by K.L. Montgomery surprising four-star read. This is the first book by this author I have read, and won’t be the last. I have been waiting to read this book since I read the synopsis and through it sounded like a really interesting read, and couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it.Annalise has always been raised to believe to do the right thing, get married, have babies, be a good and loving wife with dinner on the table. Follow in the footsteps of her mother and Grandmother and the women of their family before them. Annalise teaches four year olds, she tries to teach them the right way to go about things, the same ways she was shown and believes in until something happens that shakes her values.Annalise has always struggled with her weight and then when she adds infertility issues and the fact her husband may not be who she though he was it makes her ponder the vows she made to him, her family think that she should honor her vows no matter what, but will she keep thinking that? It becomes especially hard when she meets that farther of one of her students.Dr Trek Blue is a captivating character he only likes being called Dr when he is in work, as he is a Professor at DePauw, teaching Biology as he is a Lepidopterist. (Butterfly expert) he has two adorable small children Barrett and Bailey, he also comes with his own tragic story. He becomes very close to Annalise, some may think to close and they confide in each other and share problems. Will he be able to help her see more clearly, or will he encourage her to gain the wings she needs to fly to freedom? This is a captivating read, and you have to read it, at some points I did feel a little irritated at Annalise as she seemed to downtrodden one minute and then determined and brave at the same time, in the next breath....more

Wow!! This was such an incredible story; it was beautiful, breath taking, eye opening, and a definite tearjerker. Given To Fly by K.L. Montgomery is a 5 star book. It was definitely one of my favorites this year!

Annelise is a young woman battling infertility issues, body issues, and is fighting to save her marriage. She’s a strong, thoughtful, and caring woman who deserves so much more than what she’s being given. Her family is unsupportive and at timeGiven To Fly- K.L. Montgomery

5 Stars Review

Wow!! This was such an incredible story; it was beautiful, breath taking, eye opening, and a definite tearjerker. Given To Fly by K.L. Montgomery is a 5 star book. It was definitely one of my favorites this year!

Annelise is a young woman battling infertility issues, body issues, and is fighting to save her marriage. She’s a strong, thoughtful, and caring woman who deserves so much more than what she’s being given. Her family is unsupportive and at times conniving. After discovering that she has POS she begins her weight loss journey.Annelise has many struggles along the way with the comments from her husband, and family. She finds solace when she starts to get to know Trek (The father of one of her students).

Trek is a very caring man struggling with how to manage his new life. He offers support to Annelise and begins to open her eyes to see what she’s worth. As Annelise continues with her journey she starts to find herself and lets some of her worries fade away. As she continues to spend time with Trek she starts to realize what she wants in life, and learns that she just needs to take a chance.

This was honestly such an incredible story. It was an emotional roller coaster of a read. I felt so incredibly sad for Annelise and the situations she was in, I had profound hatred for some of her family members, and I absolutely loved Trek for teaching Annelise that she really is beautiful inside and out. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for his or her next read. It was romantic and captivating, it had many emotional elements and a very uplifting story. It was an all around fantastic book. This was my very first book by K.L. Montgomery but I can assure you it will definitely not be my last. ...more

We first meet Annelise Lowe, as she is preparing for her wedding to her fiancé Aaron. Annie is a preschool teacher and Aaron is a State Trooper. She comes from a very religious and strict family. For the first 6 months of their marriage, they have been trying to have a baby. With no luck on conceiving, she goes to a fertility doctor and learns that she has PCOS. One of the possible causes, could be that she is overweight. She has a memory flashbA 4 star read for Given To Fly by K.L. Montgomery.

We first meet Annelise Lowe, as she is preparing for her wedding to her fiancé Aaron. Annie is a preschool teacher and Aaron is a State Trooper. She comes from a very religious and strict family. For the first 6 months of their marriage, they have been trying to have a baby. With no luck on conceiving, she goes to a fertility doctor and learns that she has PCOS. One of the possible causes, could be that she is overweight. She has a memory flashback of right before her wedding when she overheard Aaron talking to one of his friends, telling him that she is overweight but a good person. She feels like she is to blame for not getting pregnant. While getting ready for work one morning and while Aaron is in Tempe bathroom, she sees a notification come across his phone, when she does a little research about the app, she finds some heartbreaking and devastating information about the future of her life. Instead of a confrontation, she chooses to ignore it and go on like nothing has happened. With all of this going on in her personal life, she still has her preschool students to think about also. She started tutoring one of the little girls in her class. Hoping this will take her mind off of everything else, she starts to find friendship in Bailey’s dad, Trek. He is having a difficult time raising 2 little children after losing his wife to ovarian cancer. Annie and Trek form a friendship, it doesn't help that he isn't bad to look at either. Will Annie ever confront her problems in her marriage or will she just keep burying it under a rug? I was a little skeptical with the way I thought this book was going to go but I truly enjoyed it! There is a whole lot more to this story but I think you need to just read it for yourself. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. ...more

Annelise Lowe is a pre-school teacher who loves her job and has done what was expected of her, always pleasing everyone, her family, church and her husband Aaron. Annelise’s family is definitely different and they preach the lord to one and all and are more than happy to call Annelise out for being different in their eyes, they berate her and put her down without a care for her feeling. After getting married Aaron and Annelise have made having children their main priority but getting what they wAnnelise Lowe is a pre-school teacher who loves her job and has done what was expected of her, always pleasing everyone, her family, church and her husband Aaron. Annelise’s family is definitely different and they preach the lord to one and all and are more than happy to call Annelise out for being different in their eyes, they berate her and put her down without a care for her feeling. After getting married Aaron and Annelise have made having children their main priority but getting what they want is not happening and is causing issues. Annelise has always been a bigger girl and her weight is not helping with the dreams of having a child.

Aaron seems to only be concerned with himself, his job and having children. He is always on at Annelise because of her weight and because of this Annelise’s self esteem are at an all time low and she believes that she is the one to blame for the state of their marriage.

Annalise meets Trek Blue a single father raising two children after the loss of his wife to cancer through his daughter, Bailey who has just started kindy after moving closer with his mother to start over. Bailey is struggling and is very bright and Annalise finds herself tutoring Bailey. Annelise and Trek become friends and helps her through some tough times.

Annalise’s sister, Charity is much younger than her and her brothers but they find themselves forming a stronger bond when tough times arise and only a sister would understand.

Will Annalise finally find out what has her husband so driven to patch things up? Will she finally love herself for who she is? Will her family understand and support her when she needs them most? Will she be able to finally live a life she has always wanted?

The overall story is good and my favourite quote from the book is “You’ve been given to fly, my love. You just need to believe you can.” Enjoy! ...more

I recently finished Given To Fly, the new story by K.L. Montgomery. I absolutely loved the book, it was an amazing journey of self-discovery that everyone should read. Given To Fly is the story Annalise, a preschool teacher who is married to a man who doesn’t seem to be very interested in his wife. She has spent majority of her life trying to please everyone else and doing what is right according to her church. While trying to lose weight and overcome her infertility Annalise discovers some secrI recently finished Given To Fly, the new story by K.L. Montgomery. I absolutely loved the book, it was an amazing journey of self-discovery that everyone should read. Given To Fly is the story Annalise, a preschool teacher who is married to a man who doesn’t seem to be very interested in his wife. She has spent majority of her life trying to please everyone else and doing what is right according to her church. While trying to lose weight and overcome her infertility Annalise discovers some secrets her husband is keeping which cause her to rethink her marriage and her life. She meets a parent of one of her preschoolers who helps her to understand that making others happy doesn’t have to come at the expense of her own happiness. She struggles with what to do because she doesn’t want to break her vows but also has to wonder if breaking those vows is what she needs to do to live her life to her full potential.Given To Fly is beautifully crafted story about a young woman learning to stretch her own wings and finding the love she so richly deserves. I felt such a connection with Annalise, and found myself pulling for her to see what her life could be if she would just get rid of the people putting her down. I laughed and cried with her all along on this amazing journey. I was a little sad to come to the end. This was a refreshing and uplifting story that was more about the emotion of love than the physicality of love. I have to admit I did worry a few times where the story was going but never was I disappointed. I loved reading this story, I can’t wait to see what K.L. Montgomery comes up with next as it is sure to be another amazing story. This is one that will definitely be worth rereading over and over whenever you need a break from the others stories that sometimes seem to follow a formula....more

Given To Fly by K.L. Montgomery is the tale of Annelise Lowe. Annelise is the average girl who isn’t 100% secure in her body, questions her upcoming marriage yet doesn’t trust her gut and thinks she deserves the not so great things that have come her way in life. Annelise’s husband, Aaron, is a real jerk. He’s a state cop who isn’t the most supportive, loving husband yet shows enough love to keep Annelise wondering about whether his love is true or not. "It's always so hard to tell genuine complGiven To Fly by K.L. Montgomery is the tale of Annelise Lowe. Annelise is the average girl who isn’t 100% secure in her body, questions her upcoming marriage yet doesn’t trust her gut and thinks she deserves the not so great things that have come her way in life. Annelise’s husband, Aaron, is a real jerk. He’s a state cop who isn’t the most supportive, loving husband yet shows enough love to keep Annelise wondering about whether his love is true or not. "It's always so hard to tell genuine compliments from horny-induced flattery." Trek Blue (what a great name) is a newly transplanted professor, single dad of 2 young kids, and believer in goodness.

There are so many real life issues in this novel that stung just a little bit. Lack of self-respect - not thinking one deserves more. A non-supportive family – the family who wants everything to look good on the inside and doesn’t respect the members enough to support them on the inside. Friends who don’t deserve friendship. You know those girls who say they have your back but really will stab you in the back as soon as you walk away?

This book also has goodness. The loving bond between sisters. The loving bond of a single dad, his mom and his children. The desire to make the world a better place for the unfortunate. And most of all, finding a voice in your life to stand up for what you deserve and being willing to make sacrifices to get those things. Wow this book really is full of stuff.

It was a great novel that I shed a few tears over. The characters are well developed and enjoyable to watch grow. I really hope that Annelise’s sister Charity gets her own story one day. I’d like to see how she turned out in life. (Being 100% aware that these are fictional characters who don’t exist or have a future in the “real world”)....more

Book Review: Given to FlyAuthor: K.L. MontgomeryFIVE STARSIn this book, K.L. Montgomery has written about real life characters in real life situations. The different aspects delt with in this book are: being overweight and being critcized for it, teen pregnancy, the choice of keeping a baby or adoption, infertility, adulty, emotional/physical threats to self, religous beliefs being used against you, family interference, death of a spouse. This book is ok for anyone to read there are some situatiBook Review: Given to FlyAuthor: K.L. MontgomeryFIVE STARSIn this book, K.L. Montgomery has written about real life characters in real life situations. The different aspects delt with in this book are: being overweight and being critcized for it, teen pregnancy, the choice of keeping a baby or adoption, infertility, adulty, emotional/physical threats to self, religous beliefs being used against you, family interference, death of a spouse. This book is ok for anyone to read there are some situations that may be more for mature audiences and some profanity but mostly it is okay. No in depth sexual occurances.This book connected with me in many ways. The feeling of always being the "fat friend" or being with the man who is always critical of your appearance because you're heavy. Never really seeming to fit in. Having the family that expects you to do as they want you to do and not as YOU want to do. To be someone you're not so that you don't upset anyone or hurt anyones feelings. Putting your own wants and wishes on the back burner. Being the one that everyone can come to when they have problems yet never being able to turn to anyone for help for yourself. Then finding out the truth, that you aren't in love with the person you should be. That you are with them for the wrong reasons and the one you are truly in love with is the one that opens your eyes to this realization. Can you be with the one you want and desire without worrying about what others have to say to you or about you? I love this book and everything about it. I laughed, I cheered, I cried, I hurt, I worried, I connected in so many ways to Annelise. I truly see myself in her, just a decade or more older. I love this book and have loved everything I have read by K.L. Montgomery. Kelli Harper...more

Given to Fly is such an amazing read! The standalone novel by K.L. Montgomery is a story of hardship, trust and love. It truly is an incredible read.

The novel tells the story of Annelise Lowe, a married woman in a rocky marriage, and is also struggling with problems with her fertility and the judgment of her deeply religious family. She then meets Trek Blue, a parent to one of her preschool students, and they embark on a friendship that possibly could turn into more.

Annelise is a sweet, kind wGiven to Fly is such an amazing read! The standalone novel by K.L. Montgomery is a story of hardship, trust and love. It truly is an incredible read.

The novel tells the story of Annelise Lowe, a married woman in a rocky marriage, and is also struggling with problems with her fertility and the judgment of her deeply religious family. She then meets Trek Blue, a parent to one of her preschool students, and they embark on a friendship that possibly could turn into more.

Annelise is a sweet, kind woman, but feels unloved in her marriage and judged by her family. With her struggle to lose weight and to get pregnant, she feels trapped by how the world, or her family will see her. Then, she meets Trek, and she becomes a new woman who has been given a new chance to be happy.

Trek is an intelligent, honest and kind man, and a great father to his two young children. He supports Annelise through all of her struggles, whilst dealing with his own issues. He is truly a sweet man who deserves all of the love in the world.

As for Aaron, he is the poorest excuse of a man that I have ever known. He is inconsiderate of Annelise’s feelings and is incredibly selfish. He definitely did not deserve her kind, sweet heart.

Given To Fly is a definite five star read! The author did a spectacular job, and the novel was written brilliantly. I’d definitely recommend Given To Fly to a friend....more

The story Given to Fly by K.L. Montgomery is a contemporary romance book. This is the story of Annelise Lowe. She is a pre-school teacher who has always done what is expected of her. Getting married and then having children are top priorities. She is married however having children turns out to be a bit more of an issue. Between her weight and infertility, the dreams that have been thrust upon her seem like they will never come to be. Annelise is aGiven to FlyBy: K.L. Montgomery5 out of 5 stars

The story Given to Fly by K.L. Montgomery is a contemporary romance book. This is the story of Annelise Lowe. She is a pre-school teacher who has always done what is expected of her. Getting married and then having children are top priorities. She is married however having children turns out to be a bit more of an issue. Between her weight and infertility, the dreams that have been thrust upon her seem like they will never come to be. Annelise is a character that I can relate to. From a young age, she has been told what is expected of her and it is just assumed that is what she wants and what will happen. I believe that this is true with all families however Annelise’s situation is on the extreme side. She is constantly berated and put down by not only her siblings but her parents as well. This makes family get-togethers and holidays very rough for her. That her marriage is having problems as well doesn’t help the situation. Her husband seems to only be concerned with his job, having children, and berating Annelise on her weight. Annelise believes she is to blame for the situation they are in and doesn’t have the confidence to stand up for herself. Then she meets Trek Blue.

Trek Blue is a single father who is raising two children after losing his wife to cancer. He has just moved to the area to get a fresh start and hasn’t met a lot of people outside of his work. His daughter, Bailey, is in Annelise’s preschool class and from the very beginning, Bailey seems to form an attachment to Annelise and this leads to a friendship forming between Annelise and Trek. Trek is a man that thinks things through, so when Annelise begins to confide in him, he tries to give the best advice that he can. He loves his children dearly and always puts their welfare first.

This is a beautiful story. It shows how some, whether it be friends or family, impose their will upon others and the ugly results that can happen. It is also about a woman who finds herself and starts to realize that what she wants and that her happiness is important. Does she find the strength to fly away? This is a book that you can get lost in for the afternoon. Once you start you will not want to stop reading. This is the first book I have read by the author and find her writing style smooth and the characters that she creates are ones that you can relate to. You will not be disappointed with this book....more

Given To Fly by KL Montgomery. This book 4 stars! Ok so in Given to Fly we go on this real life roller coaster with Annelise. Annelise is this amazingly wonderful saint of a preschool teacher she is what some would call a larger woman, she like most people have struggled with her weight her whole life. Annelise is married to a guy she has known for a while and dated for about four years. She is happy and in her mind (an families) the next step to a happy church going marriage is having a baby. WGiven To Fly by KL Montgomery. This book 4 stars! Ok so in Given to Fly we go on this real life roller coaster with Annelise. Annelise is this amazingly wonderful saint of a preschool teacher she is what some would call a larger woman, she like most people have struggled with her weight her whole life. Annelise is married to a guy she has known for a while and dated for about four years. She is happy and in her mind (an families) the next step to a happy church going marriage is having a baby. While Annelise struggles with not getting pregnant when it seems every female and her mother is getting pregnant. Annelise is told that she should lose weight and that could possibly help her get pregnant more easily. So Annelise starts taking this weight loss journey and while she’s on it she finds herself questioning somethings in her marriage. Then the real fun stuff happens when her marriage truly hits a bad spot. Annelise discovers some interesting details that she stuck between a rock and a hard place. While she is going through all of this she meets Trek. Trek is the widow father of two children one of which is her new preschool student. Trek is new to the area, and Annelise is just what is needed even if it is nothing more than friends. Annelise while still in her rock and unhappy marriage is going to be forced to make a choice that will change everything. Will she continue to stay with her husband or will she choose something that gives her a chance to fly. I enjoyed this book. It is very realistic and hits on many subjects that a lot of people have gone through and are still going through. I sometimes wanted to hit her upside the head and strangle her husband but overall this was a good book. Trek was just what was needed even if the beginning was unconventional. The secondary characters were good and very relatable. I loved Charity! The ending was very good!! The book is a little slower pace then what I personally like but the overall book was great!! 4stars ...more

Annelise is living the life her parents planned for her. She is married and not pregnant(sore spot for her parents). Goes to work everyday, church on Sunday, and every decision she makes she thinks about what her parents would think.As she realizes her marriage is a farce and her life is not what she wants, she also gets a new student in her class and takes her under her wing, her Father Trek is also nice to look at. As Annelisse starts moving on Trek becomes her confidant and things start to chAnnelise is living the life her parents planned for her. She is married and not pregnant(sore spot for her parents). Goes to work everyday, church on Sunday, and every decision she makes she thinks about what her parents would think.As she realizes her marriage is a farce and her life is not what she wants, she also gets a new student in her class and takes her under her wing, her Father Trek is also nice to look at. As Annelisse starts moving on Trek becomes her confidant and things start to change for her. She is also helping her younger sister with an issue.IT all comes to the end where when push comes to shove her parents aren't really there for her unless it is done the way she wants it. She has some tough decisions to make and has to choose what makes her fly.

Annalise is a preschool teacher which she loves and suit her personality with her kind hearted nature and beautiful soul. Aaron is a cop but also is her awful husband who don't appreciate her in the slightest all he do is make feel bad about herself body shaming her watching what she eats and also reminding her she's eating the wrong food plus treating her like a door mat but Annalise is stuck with what to do at a crossroad and not sure whether she should go against everything she's been taughtAnnalise is a preschool teacher which she loves and suit her personality with her kind hearted nature and beautiful soul. Aaron is a cop but also is her awful husband who don't appreciate her in the slightest all he do is make feel bad about herself body shaming her watching what she eats and also reminding her she's eating the wrong food plus treating her like a door mat but Annalise is stuck with what to do at a crossroad and not sure whether she should go against everything she's been taught that she should stay with her husband this is her life live with it. Annalise is well aware she has a weight problem but surly your husband should love you despite of that she deserves to be loved and appreciate her for who she is that is where are handsome nerdy trek comes in. I don't want to give away anymore because you need to buy this novel and read it, its beautiful and heart breaking story it truly touched my heart. I love Annalise she so sweet and real which a lot of women reading her story will be able to relate to especially her body issues its a tough subject to write about as it touch a lot of our hearts it was written wonderfully. I wanted to punch Aaron in the face he's a absolute douche and doesn't deserve Annalise at all he makes her vulnerable and unconfident its awful. Trek is everything you could wish for and he and Annalise build a beautiful bond throughout this novel and its lovely seeing them get closer. The novel do have some laugh out loud moments and it will make you smile at times to but be prepared for one hell of a emotional roll coaster that will keep you turning the pages right till the very end. I would recommend given to fly its truly is amazing you will not be disappointed in the slightest....more

This was my first book by this author. It didn't take long before the story captured my heart and wouldn't let go. All my emotions were on high alert, this was a very emotional story for me. I truly fell in love with Annelise and Trek, I found myself routing for them to get their happily ever after. They were both broken in some way, but together they were able to save each other. They both had a heart of gold. What I took away from this book is that you must be true to yoMore than a 5 star read

This was my first book by this author. It didn't take long before the story captured my heart and wouldn't let go. All my emotions were on high alert, this was a very emotional story for me. I truly fell in love with Annelise and Trek, I found myself routing for them to get their happily ever after. They were both broken in some way, but together they were able to save each other. They both had a heart of gold. What I took away from this book is that you must be true to yourself first and foremost. I highly recommend that you read this story, I can promise you that you won't be disappointed. I wish I could have given it more than five stars....more

This book was amazing! When you grow up in a ultra conservative religious family, what are you supposed to do? All our lives/ her life Annelise was told her lot in life was to get married and have children. However when you discover things aren't the way they appear, do you stick with what is "the appropriate" thing to do according to your family. Or do you do what's right for yourself and take a leap of faith and step out ..

Loved this story! This story was so real and relatable that I felt like it was a true story. Struggling to fit to the expectations or conforming to the opinions of others can make life a struggle. When you decide to be true and honest to yourself, you can soar like a butterfly and morph into the true being you are meant to be.

Wow a young teacher gets married to her boyfriend but he starts treating her not good and that’s when she meets her students dad. This book is a very eye opener! Trek made anelese feel beautiful when her husband did not! Loved this book!

I couldn't put this book down. It's beautifully written and I caught myself a couple times with tears in my eyes. Being able to relate to a book like this makes it ten times better. Treks daughter Bailey pulled at my heart strings after her one conversation with Annalise.

"I have mixed feelings about this book; I enjoyed the writing style, the flow of the story and how Annelise finally got a back bone. On the other hand it made me mad that Annelise even went forward with her marriage after the comment she heard her fiancé Aaron made about her; she continued to stay with him after she found out things that were going on behind her back.

Now for what I feel is the silver lining in this book; Trek and his family. They saved the story in my opinion. Trek helped Anneli"I have mixed feelings about this book; I enjoyed the writing style, the flow of the story and how Annelise finally got a back bone. On the other hand it made me mad that Annelise even went forward with her marriage after the comment she heard her fiancé Aaron made about her; she continued to stay with him after she found out things that were going on behind her back.

Now for what I feel is the silver lining in this book; Trek and his family. They saved the story in my opinion. Trek helped Annelise see what she was worth even though in my opinion she should of already known. I'm not quite sure what the author was trying to go with this story overall I'll give this one a 4. It did have a HEA which was great. "...more

We are first introduced to Annelise and her husband Aaron a year after their wedding. Annelise had overheard a conversation that her then fiancé was having with his friends. It was a very disheartening comment that was made that any woman would have confronted their future husband about.

And this is where I felt that Annelise was weak, she let the comment go and still went forward with the wedding.

A year later, Annelise is wondering if she made a mistake. IndiscretionsI struggled with this one.

We are first introduced to Annelise and her husband Aaron a year after their wedding. Annelise had overheard a conversation that her then fiancé was having with his friends. It was a very disheartening comment that was made that any woman would have confronted their future husband about.

And this is where I felt that Annelise was weak, she let the comment go and still went forward with the wedding.

A year later, Annelise is wondering if she made a mistake. Indiscretions are made by Aaron which opens the door for more things to take place.

I found the Annelise was more like a pawn then a wife. I wanted to just yell at her to wake up. The synopsis sounded really interesting, but alas, I was left underwhelmed by the story as a whole....more

This book wow. If you've ever had a crossroads in your life, wondered how life got so complicated or realized this wasn't exactly how you envisioned things going, you must read this book. Life doesn't give Annalise what she expected, or does it? I'm a firm believer in the whole "everything happens for a reason" idea and this book spoke to me on that level. Sometimes we have to have things go the wrong way, have to make those mistakes in order for our true happiness to happen. One of my favoriteThis book wow. If you've ever had a crossroads in your life, wondered how life got so complicated or realized this wasn't exactly how you envisioned things going, you must read this book. Life doesn't give Annalise what she expected, or does it? I'm a firm believer in the whole "everything happens for a reason" idea and this book spoke to me on that level. Sometimes we have to have things go the wrong way, have to make those mistakes in order for our true happiness to happen. One of my favorite quotes from this book is: can you break your vow if it means saving yourself? I believe in marriage and vows, but this question is so powerful in this book. At what point do we do what is right for us and our happiness? Love this book!...more

This is the first K. L. Montgomery book I picked up, and I'm really happy I stepped out of my usual reading comfort zone. The tale follows Annelise, a young teacher desperately trying to have a child f her own. She struggles with an overbearing Christian family--and all the sexism that implies--her own body image, and her fat-shaming husband. She thinks that this is all she'll have in life and she ought to make the best of it. Until she meets Trek, a professor and single father. Trek is intellecThis is the first K. L. Montgomery book I picked up, and I'm really happy I stepped out of my usual reading comfort zone. The tale follows Annelise, a young teacher desperately trying to have a child f her own. She struggles with an overbearing Christian family--and all the sexism that implies--her own body image, and her fat-shaming husband. She thinks that this is all she'll have in life and she ought to make the best of it. Until she meets Trek, a professor and single father. Trek is intellectual, fun, and accepting. Annelise must overcome her family's views and her own insecurities, but the road to happiness isn't an easy one.

Ms. Montgomery created a wonderful set of multi-faceted characters in Given to Fly. Anneliese is strong and vulnerable in turns, and even her hard-to-stomach family has its moments. The complexities of infertility, body image, and family are painted beautifully and accurately, and I found my heart aching right along with Annelise's. The story was a bit cleaner than my usual tastes, but I found the relationship didn't want for any romance or intimacy. In fact, I wished I could have read more!

I look forward to seeing what else Ms. Montgomery will bring us!...more

K.L. Montgomery grew up in Greencastle, Indiana. She studied psychology and library science at Indiana University. After a career as a librarian, she now writes novels and wrangles three sons and three cats at her home in rural Delaware which she shares with her partner Mike and the aforementioned creatures. She has an undying love of Broadway musicals, the beach, the color teal, IU basketball, paK.L. Montgomery grew up in Greencastle, Indiana. She studied psychology and library science at Indiana University. After a career as a librarian, she now writes novels and wrangles three sons and three cats at her home in rural Delaware which she shares with her partner Mike and the aforementioned creatures. She has an undying love of Broadway musicals, the beach, the color teal, IU basketball, paisleys, and dark chocolate.